Just Back WL - not quite as planned

[TEK224]

Hi all!

Just back from WL for 5 nights. Had a good time, even though not much went as I had planned (or hoped). WL is beautiful - loved the lobby. Rooms were ok. We stayed in 7048, concierge level. CL was nice, but I guess I was expecting a little more. I don't know what exactly, just something that would stand out to make it worth the extra expense (beside the food/drink offerings). It wasn't bad, just nothing that stood out.
The room was great for watching Wishes. We had a great view of the fireworks every night. I would probably stay CL level again if it was offered as an upgrade, but I don't think I'd book it a rack or near-rack rates (I had a AAA discount this time, but it was still pricey).

I was there for the triathlon (my first) and I didn't finish
I gave it my best shot, but only got through the swim and 25 miles on the bike. The hills got to me. Who knew there were hills in Florida?
But it was a good experience and now I know what I have to work on for next year.

We went resort visiting while we were there. I now love the Beach Club. It looks great and SAB is awesome. We ate lunch at Beaches and Cream and really enjoyed the atmosphere. I'm more of a beach person than woods anyway, so my next visit could see a BC stay.

Terri

 

[BambiTamby]

First of all, Terri, a big for you!
My DH will be in the January marathon and I know how hard it was for you to compete in this!

And another for even competing in the half-ironman!
My hats off to you!

Sorry WL CL wasn't quite what you expected. Hope you will give the BC or YC CL a try, they are wonderful!
There's something different for everyone at WDW!
and that includes the concierge services and amenities.

check out our concierge thread, and you'll see that alot of us have our favorites and not-so-favorites, but we all respect each other's choices in CL experiences!

Tamby

 

[TEK224]

It was a tough race and 90 degrees, too. But I did enjoy the experience.
Just so nobody misunderstands - the WL concierge wasn't bad, just not what I expected. I had read several threads here about CL, but it just didn't "do it" for me. We actually spent more time at the resort than I normally do on a WDW trip, which is why I booked CL. I guess I just think it wasn't worth the extra money.

Now the staff was very nice. I had ordered a fruit basket with happy birthday balloons for my Mom and it was in the room on our arrival. When we got back from HDDR, there was another fruit basket from the staff (very nice touch)!
BTW, I also was not THAT impressed with HDDR. It was nice (food not that great), but not something I would probably go to again.

We thoroughly enjoyed Chef Mickey's for dinner. The parmesan mashed potatoes were great, as usual!

I guess it's just different strokes for different folks.



Terri

 

[ironz]

Terri...
so sorry your race (and the lodge) didn't go as planned! Sorry I didn't get to meet you...it just gets so crazy in the days before the race...I was going to stop by the DIS meet, but had a bike tire issue that caused me to go back and forth to WL to the expo a couple of times and I just wanted to be ready for the race.

I liked the WL overall...but I was in a room way down at the end of my hallway (6th floor)...would definitely stay closer to the lobby if given a choice. Probably wouldn't try to stay concierge...I'm just never around the hotel that much to take advantage of those things.

It sure got hot for the race...sorry the hills got to ya...I think people either loved it or hated it overall...I know a lot of people didn't like the sand on the run...to me, after the 8-9 miles of concrete golf cart path on the run, anything softer was welcome!
Thankfully, I met most of my race goals and had fun.

So...any more tri-ing in the future? Stay in touch!
Betsy

 

[TEK224]

Glad to hear you had a good race.
Even though mine didn't go as planned, I think I'm hooked. It's all about the challenge to myself. I'm planning to go back next year and tri again. At least now I know what to expect. I'll probably try to find some shorter distances closer to home just for the experience.

I missed the Dis meet too. I was trying to take it easy Saturday and actually took a 3 hour nap. I got down to the lobby around 3:30, but didn't really see anybody hanging around.

Did you get tangled in any of the seaweed in Bay Lake? I hit a patch near the end of the swim that nearly freaked me out. All I could see was the seaweed and it felt like every stroke my arm were getting tangled. I was waiting for the sea monster to come up from the bottom to snag me down

Terri

 

[disneyfanatic60]

We just got back Friday night from WL/concierge. We were in "7049" across the hall!!! We had booked a "woods view" and decided to ask for an upsell at check in to concierge since we were going to spend more time relaxing at the hotel than initially planned.

We had stayed at Poly/Conc. twice and absolutely loved it. I have to agree though, WL is nice but it was not what I expected. The staff was friendly but I often had a hard time finding someone. I felt the offerings somewhat scarce compared to what was available at Poly. One thing I missed, individual water bottles. My Daughter didn't like having to ask someone to get "pop", etc. but she loved the cookies!

I probably wouldn't spend the extra dollars to stay concierge level again at WL. This was our third stay at WL and the resort itself was wonderful and we found all CM's very friendly and helpful.

 

[Ragmop]

Originally posted by TEK224

BTW, I also was not THAT impressed with HDDR. It was nice (food not that great), but not something I would probably go to again.



Terri

I used to make very loud anti-Hoop=de-do-review remarks whenever anyone asked opinions of it . But it's almost percieved as anti-Disney to do so. It's just not everyone's 'cup of tea".

 

[ironz]

Terri...
Did you do the practice swim Saturday morning? Found out about the seaweed then, so it wasn't a surprise on race morning. Crazy stuff...I was pretty convinced that was where the "sea serpent" from the nighttime water parade lives! haha!!

Keep tri-ing...it's lots of fun!! I can't imagine not doing these things. I am tempted to go to the WDW Olympic distance tri in October, though it conflicts with a race I like to do here in Texas, so we'll see...it would be very interesting to see the differences between a race put on by IMNA (having to coordinate with WDW) and one that WDW themselves put on...I'm sure the merchandise will be more fun (though I liked the purple/yellow stuff at the expo).

Stay in touch!
betsy

 

[Disney_Cajun]

We're headed to WL this weekend. Booked in a woods view room. What did the desk offer for a upsell to concierge at check-in?
Do you run half or full marathons? Ran the half this year at Disney, always looking for company. Thanks

 

[disneyfanatic60]

We were offered $60 a night which is comparable to other posts I've seen recently. However, IMO I would not pay the extra dollars on a future stay at WL. Not enough offerings and without bottled water, not worth the extra dollars. Sorry everyone--just my opinion.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

BC is awesome and also has concierge but same thing as WL only no view of fireworks.

I too am not overly impressed with Concierge and don't consider it to be a worthwhile expense.

Just my opinion. Thanks for your report. Better luck next year on the triathalon.

MDF

 

[catheren]

We were offered $60 a night which is comparable to other posts I've seen recently. However, IMO I would not pay the extra dollars on a future stay at WL. Not enough offerings and without bottled water, not worth the extra dollars. Sorry everyone--just my opinion.

They didn't have bottled water available???
We where offered an upgrade to CL at the WL in April. I agree the food offerings are very limited. But we had all the bottled water, soda, beer and wine -- we wanted. The only pain was you have to "ask" a CM. By the 2nd day, the CM's knew to have these drinks ready for us and at what times of the day.

 

[TEK224]

IronZ,

I didn't do the practice swim. Went to MGM to ridt TofT and RnR instead

I thought about the October race, but I've planned a trip for late Sept. - can't do both. I thought about doing the Danskin Tri next year. It's the week before the 1/2. Don't know if that would be pushing it or not. (I keep thinking big).

I liked some of the shirts that they had, especially the sleeveless polo shirt, but unfortunately they didn't have any in my size.

They really should consider that some people in these races are "athena" sized!

Good luck in your future races. Keep me posted on how you're doing.

Terri

 

[TEK224]

Thanks MontanaDisneyFan!

Terri

 

[babybunrab]

Terri-

Since you've discovered a new love in BC, you'll just have to go back next year and tri again! I admire you for doing it (and you, too, Betsy)! I just run!

You might be able to get in the Danskin and the half, don't you think? Maybe even the marathon. If you think about it, it's pretty much like just breaking up the Ironman over a couple of weekends, with a shorter bike and swim! Piece of cake! O.K., maybe not. Anyway, I bet you could do it. You got through that swim and 25 miles of the bike ride, so I bet you could handle a sprint distance tri and the half/full marthon.

I agree with you on CL in general as well. With only DS and me going to WL there just aren't enough mouths to make it worthwhile.

Good luck on whatever your next races are, folks!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Terri - I commend you for attempting the triathlon!
If you ever want to try concierge again, consider the AKL - we have stayed in concierge there twice when we can get reasonable AP rates . Concierge level there is wonderful, with great food offerings almost all day long, a big spacious comfy lounge and nice CMs. AKL is our family's favorite resort.
We are staying at the BC in July - wanted to revisit the Epcot resort area. We are not going concierge there because of the expense during high season, and also because it doesn't look as great to us as AKL concierge.

 

[ironz]

oops...the Olympic distance race is Sept. 26 (not Oct)...I'll decide later, if it doesn't fill.
Can't say I blame you for going to ride RNR and TOT instead of the practice swim...more fun, and you don't get wet!

My friend that I raced with and I would love to do Danskin and the 1/2 IM, if they are back to back weekends like this year...that would be fun...and just play in between!! Of course, even better if the 1/2 was the first weekend, so the Danskin could be a recovery race.
Hard for me to think about WDW now...been 3 times this winter/spring, and I wouldn't dare go in the summer. So it'll be on the back burner while I train for Ironman.
Good luck to you and have a great season!! Stay in touch!!

bets

 

[TwingleMum]

First off - Terri & Betsy WOW!! I really admire your determination. Can you send some will power my way???

I have tried 3 CL (poly,CR, AKL) and IMHO AKL CL is the best. If you can its worth a try.